Kosher Dining

Kosher Meal Plan Information

Welcome to a new academic year at the University of Maryland. On behalf of the entire Maryland Hillel Dining Team, I would like to thank you for participating in our dining program. We are excited to introduce our delicious meal plan options, which include a contemporary, crowd-pleasing selection of many of your favorite foods along with some of our own tasty specialties.

Hours of Operation

(Closed during semester breaks, and UMD summer vacation)

Bob’s Breakfast

8:30 am – 9:30 pm
(Monday – Friday)

Sabra Dining Lunch

11:30 am – 2:00 pm
(Sunday – Friday)

Sabra Dining Dinner

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
(Sunday – Thursday)

Shabbat meals after services

Frequently Asked Questions

How is pricing for the Kosher dining plans calculated and are meals transferable?
Maryland Hillel contracts out to Sodexo Campus Services who manages our Kosher Dining services. Prices are calculated by analyzing the number of students and meals, food cost, and Mashgiach expenses per school year. Currently, Maryland Hillel does not have an endowment fund that supplements the cost of the Kosher Dining Program. All costs are for services rendered. Meals are not transferable and cannot be used by anyone other than the dining plan participant.

Why do we need to purchase a Platinum Full Meal Plan?
The University requires all students living in a traditional dorm room (rooms not equipped with a kitchen) to be registered for a full meal plan. If your student lives on campus in a traditional dorm room and chooses a Kosher meal plan he/she must have a Platinum Meal Plan with Maryland Hillel.

Our UMD statement reflects a University dining charge, but we purchased a Kosher Dining Plan. How do we receive credit for this charge?
By default, the University will automatically charge a Full University Dining Plan to a student living in a traditional dorm room without a kitchen. In order to credit this charge, parents must purchase a Hillel Platinum Meal Plan through Maryland Hillel to meet the University’s full meal plan requirement. Upon receipt of payment for a Hillel Platinum Meal Plan, Maryland Hillel will inform UMD Dining Services of your full meal plan purchase. Upon notification, the University will credit your student’s account within 7-10 business days.

Are holiday and Shabbat meals included in the Kosher dining plan?
Holiday meals are “tricky.” Often times, demand from the students’ schedules determines if the dining hall is open or not. In order for the dining hall to be open, it requires a critical mass of participants. Often times, students leave campus to observe with their families/friends and therefore Sodexo is forced to suspend service.

Shabbat meals are included in the Platinum Meal Plan. If the dining hall is OPEN during holidays, then meals are included in the Meal Plan. For those students on partial plans (Gold, Silver, or Bronze), certain holidays will have an up charge as prices of those meals are more expensive. Students on the Gold, Silver, or Bronze MAY use their meals towards any Shabbat meal and DO NOT need to register in advance.

Under which Kosher Supervision is Maryland Hillel certified? Is there a Mashgiach on the premises?
Maryland Hillel’s Kashrut is supervised under the Va’ad of Greater Washington. There is always a Mashgiach on duty, which includes our senior Mashgiach and several part-time student Mashgichim.

Are students entitled to a refund for missed meals and do unused meals roll over to the next semester?
No. The all you care to eat model was created to allow students full access to food/meals whenever they want. Refunds and/or credits are not given for missed and unused meals and flex dollars. Unused meals, guest meals, and flex dollars do not roll over to the next semester.

Do I need my University ID card to get into Hillel’s dining hall?
Yes. All students are issued a University ID card. This card is an identification card as well as a meal card, library card, and an access card to campus facilities/events. It is very important to keep it with you at all times. Please note that your ID belongs to you. No one else can use your ID to gain access to your meal plan.

Can a student on a Hillel meal plan bring a guest?
Yes. All Hillel meal plans come with guest meals. Students may bring guests so long as the owner of the dining plan accompanies them.

Will my Kosher Meal Plan work on campus?The Kosher meal plan does NOT work at any other campus dining hall or at campus restaurants. Likewise, University Dining Plans, Points and University Dollars will not work at Hillel.

My child eats only Kosher meat and non-Kosher dairy/vegetarian. What are my meal plan options?
Students who live in a traditional dorm room without a kitchen are required to have a full meal plan either with the University or with Maryland Hillel. Students may supplement the University full meal plan with a Hillel Gold or Bronze Plan at Maryland Hillel. Kosher students may also choose the full Hillel Platinum Plan and supplement it with a University Partial Plan.

What if my student has class all the way across campus and can’t logistically make it for a meal?
Maryland Hillel is committed to providing meals for all students. If needed, students can work out special arrangements that could include packing up a “to go” lunch for the next meal, or picking up meals earlier or later than a meal is offered. These special accommodations can be made directly with Alyssa Silva (Program/Operations Associate) or Liz Donaldson (Office Manager).

What if there is a problem with my meal plan/meal plan account?
We strongly encourage the student to come in or email the staff directly.